Travel Insurance and HealthCare Abroad

Good travel insurance is important whenever you travel abroad. Medical treatment, hospital care or medical repatriation can be extremely expensive in many countries. Before departure, make sure that your insurance provides adequate cover for the entire duration of your trip, your destination and any activities you plan to take part in.

Travel insurance may already be included in a household, home or other insurance policy, depending on your country of residence and insurance provider. Such cover may include emergency medical treatment, accidents, medical repatriation and compensation for delayed, lost or stolen luggage. However, the level of cover, maximum duration and exclusions vary considerably between policies.

If you pay for your trip by credit or debit card, some travel insurance or cancellation cover may also be included. Always check the extent of the cover, its validity and any limitations with your card provider and insurance company.

Additional Travel Insurance

If your existing insurance does not provide sufficient cover, you may need separate or supplementary travel insurance. This may provide more extensive protection, lower excesses or deductibles, and access to emergency assistance while you are abroad.

Additional insurance may be particularly important for longer trips or if you plan to take part in activities that may not be covered by standard travel insurance, such as skydiving, hang-gliding, certain adventure activities or organised sports. Always check the policy conditions, as exclusions and restrictions vary between insurance providers.

Insurance policies may also have limits on compensation for luggage and personal belongings. If you are travelling with expensive equipment, check whether additional cover is required.

Pregnancy and Travel Insurance

Travel insurance conditions during pregnancy vary between insurance providers, and restrictions often apply during the later stages of pregnancy. Before travelling, check carefully what your policy covers in relation to pregnancy-related medical care, complications, premature birth and medical care for a newborn baby.

Important Things to Check Before You Travel

  • How long does your travel insurance remain valid?
  • Do you need additional or supplementary travel insurance?
  • Does the policy include cancellation cover?
  • Who is covered by the policy – for example, your partner, children or other family members travelling with you?
  • What excess or deductible will you have to pay if something is lost, stolen or damaged?
  • Are you covered if you miss your departure because of circumstances beyond your control?
  • Does the policy cover delayed, lost or stolen luggage?
  • Does it cover medical consultations, hospital treatment and medicines?
  • Does it cover medical repatriation in the event of illness or injury?
  • Does it cover repatriation in the event of death?
  • Does it provide compensation for accidents, permanent disability or death?
  • Does it provide compensation for disrupted or unused holiday days because of illness or injury?
  • Will it cover a replacement trip if illness or injury prevents you from completing your holiday?
  • What happens if illness or injury prevents you from carrying out the main purpose of your trip?
  • How do you obtain emergency assistance or authorisation for medical treatment while abroad?
  • Are rental cars, drivers and passengers covered in the event of an accident or damage?
  • What excess or deductible applies to rental car damage?
  • Does the policy include personal liability, legal expenses and cover following an assault?
  • What restrictions apply to sports, adventure activities and other higher-risk activities?

Travelling in Europe

If you are eligible for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), take it with you when travelling in countries where it is accepted. The EHIC provides access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay, under the conditions that apply in the country you are visiting. It does not replace comprehensive travel insurance and does not cover all healthcare costs or medical repatriation.

If Something Happens While You Are Away

Keep receipts, medical certificates and other documentation if you may need to make an insurance claim. In the event of theft, assault or criminal damage, report the incident to the local police as soon as possible and keep a copy of the police report.

 

Senast uppdaterad 2026-09-02